Meet Rod Guajardo

Rod Guajardo is an Emmy Award-winning cinematographer and director with over 15 years of experience crafting high-impact visual narratives. Currently leading video production at Racquet Works and Cliff Drysdale Tennis, Rod has built a distinguished career defined by technical precision and an uncanny ability to translate complex human emotions into compelling imagery.
Rod’s portfolio spans a diverse array of narrative and commercial sectors, notably earning an Emmy Award for his cinematography on the nationally syndicated true-crime series Crime Watch Daily with Chris Hansen. Known for maintaining a lean, efficient production footprint without compromising on cinematic quality, he has earned a reputation as a versatile leader capable of managing high-stakes projects from concept to final delivery.
His unique approach to filmmaking is informed by a cross-disciplinary background. Though his formal education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, focused on hospitality, Rod’s creative lineage is rooted in the lens; he is a second-generation storyteller, following the path of his father, a combat photographer in the United States Marine Corps. Originally from Kauai, Hawaii, Rod’s aesthetic was first shaped by the vibrant landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of the islands. After relocating to Austin as a young man, he further refined his creative voice within the city’s thriving arts and music scenes.
Today, Rod continues to push the boundaries of digital cinema, approaching every project with a rigorous work ethic and the "Aloha Spirit" that defines his professional philosophy.
